Diplomat backs Downer

By VERNON SMALL

New Zealand's top diplomat in Canberra is embroiled in a political spat over Australia's plans to join an American-led war against Iraq.

A leaked summary of a conversation between High Commissioner Kate Lackey and Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer shows Mr Downer confirmed that Australia would prefer United Nations backing for any action against Iraq.

He went on to say that, while it was not a point which could be made publicly, Australia was not in a position "to withdraw our ships and other presence" from the Gulf if the UN process broke down.

Opposition politicians in Australia have pounced on the document, saying it shows that as early as October the Government was planning to join a war against Iraq.

But Mr Downer said his comments referred only to Australia's longstanding commitment to enforcing UN sanctions against Iraq.

He said the conversation could not refer to the present pre-deployment of Australian forces because that decision had not been taken until January 10.

The fate of the multinational interception force and the sanctions regime "is a sensitive issue ... in the event of there being some conflict in Iraq".

If Australia withdrew, the sanctions force "would pretty much collapse". But in time it might not be needed.

Mrs Lackey backed Mr Downer's version, saying she believed the October 24 conversation referred only to the sanctions force.

However, Australian Labor Party leader Simon Crean said that even if the conversation was about the sanctions force, the same logic must apply to troops Australia had "pre-deployed" but not yet committed to a war on Iraq.

They would also be difficult to withdraw if the UN process broke down.

A spokesman for Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff said the leaked document was an Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade summary of the meeting. The New Zealand Government had a copy but was not the source of the leak.

Meanwhile, the Government has advised New Zealanders in the Gulf to take sensible precautions "in view of the increased likelihood of conflict in the region".

Mr Goff said New Zealanders in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and neighbouring countries should stay in touch with their local New Zealand contact person and with the New Zealand Embassy in Riyadh. Those in the wider Middle East should register with the nearest New Zealand embassy or consulate.

"They should maintain a high level of personal security and ensure that family travel documents are up to date."

Vital documents such as bank, tax, insurance and medical records should be quickly accessible.

New Zealanders should not visit Iraq and any there should leave as soon as possible. There were 23 New Zealanders in Iraq with the UN, including weapons inspectors. They would be covered by UN evacuation planning. The Government was not aware of any others.

Herald feature: Iraq